Monday, September 14, 2009

Do they teach engineering at preschool?

On the third day there were tears. Or not really tears, just running out of the classroom and refusing to stay and play so I could take Big Dog to school. In other words, Little Dog's new school routine has already worn thin for him. He didn't want to go and made sure we knew all about it. Luckily the staff at his preschool is trained to deal with this. One of the teachers helped me get Little Dog back into the classroom and helped him to the "goodbye bench" to wave bye bye as I drove away. I tried to project outward cheerfulness and speak reassuringly to Little Dog. He'll have fun, just wait and see. I'll see him tonight and I can't wait to hear all about his day! Isn't he wondering what Sunny, the cook at his school, is making him for lunch today? Sure he is. it didn't really work, but it's the strategy they suggest in the school's parent handbook. They assure you that a quick and upbeat goodbye is best for all involved. I'm going to trust them on that one.

So we waved goodbye, got in the car and started the drive toward Big Dog's school. Not more than 3 blocks late Big Dog says, "Mama, I'm feeling a little sad."

"Why?" I asked, "Aren't you looking forward to school?" a little worried that he too was becoming disillusioned with the new program.

"Yes, but I miss Little Dog."

"He'll be fine. He just needs to settle in. I think it's great that you care so much about him, but he's going to be ok. You know, when you were three, you didn't like to be dropped off at school either. You'd even cry. And now you like going to school. He just needs to adjust."

"They won't let him hit people. And they were just about to go outside to the big playground. I'll bet as soon as he gets outside, he forgets he was sad at all," I try.

"But what if he destroys the world, mama? What if he cuts down all the trees and slices all the cars and digs up the ground?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.

"Well, that sounds like a lot of work. They keep him pretty busy at school. I don't think he'll have time to do that!"

"No! Not by himself. With a machine! A machine he builds with a big screw on the front for digging and grinding!" he insists.

"Building machines isn't so easy, and at this point I don't think Little Dog is all the mechanically inclined. I'm sure we'll be ok," I say, repressing a giggle. He really thinks his brother has some evil genius potential I guess.

"I don't know. He seems pretty sad."

"Tell you what, I'll call the school in a little bit and make sure he's doing ok. Does that sound fair?"

"Yeah. That sounds good."

So I just called the school and he's fine. It's amazing what a little play-dough won't fix. In fact it sounds like it may have saved the world!

In April of 2005, my husband and I packed up our two dogs and toddler and moved to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay area. Shortly after our move, I became pregnant with our second child. As exciting as this was, it definitely put a cramp in my ability to explore our new home town. I'm still working hard at adjusting to the new digs.
As a working mom to two small boys, I manage to keep pretty busy. Between business meetings, play dates and pediatrician appointments, there isn't much time left for personal pursuits. But that is a trade off I am willing to make. I'll find time for myself when the boys are old enough to borrow the car, right?
And as though that isn't enough, when we moved we bought our first house, a major fixer upper. Yeah, we wanted the "this Old House" experience, but little did I realize that it would lead to such great experiences, like the sudden loss of running water from a broken water main, or a leaky sewer pipe that kept the toilet off limits for days.
All I can say is that life sure is interesting!